BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Ion District - ECPv6.17.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Ion District
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://iondistrict.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ion District
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20230312T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20231105T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20240310T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20241103T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260909T183000
DTSTAMP:20260902T161522Z
CREATED:20260812T203027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T161522Z
UID:10005308-1788973200-1788978600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what?  \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-10/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1786566611
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T193000
DTSTAMP:20260824T191713Z
CREATED:20260824T191713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T191713Z
UID:10005574-1787853600-1787859000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:FirstCheck 201: Smart Angels Do Smart Deals
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: luma.com/icue \nThis is where you stop learning about investing and start operating like a Smart Angel Investor. You’ll learn how disciplined investors evaluate opportunities and begin making your own invest-or-pass decisions. After this course\, you’ll have structured evaluation criteria\, the ability to justify a decision\, and the beginning of an investor’s discipline. \n**This session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders:** \n– Prospective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\n– Investment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\n– Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\n– Entrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/firstcheck-201-smart-angels-do-smart-deals/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Course-Banner.png?ver=1786995463
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T193000
DTSTAMP:20260824T191658Z
CREATED:20260824T191658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T191658Z
UID:10005573-1787680800-1787686200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:FirstCheck 101: Investor Foundations
DESCRIPTION:Register Here: luma.com/icue \n(Previously offered as Angel Investing 101)\nBefore you invest in anything\, you need to understand how smart angel investing actually works. Not the mythology\, the mechanics. This course gives you that foundation. ​Participants gain clarity on: \n​1. How early-stage investing functions ​\n2. The role investors play in innovation and wealth creation\n​3. Whether this asset class aligns with their long-term goals\n​4. The simple methodology that creates a more intentional entry point into investing ​ \nYou’ll leave this class with a clear picture of how capital flows\, how returns are generated\, and whether this asset class belongs in your long-term strategy.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/firstcheck-101-investor-foundations/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Newsletter-6.png?ver=1786995213
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T193000
DTSTAMP:20260728T231507Z
CREATED:20260728T231507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T231507Z
UID:10005278-1786642200-1786649400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:FirstCheck 201: Smart Angels Do Smart Deals (Online)
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/gn2md6vu​ \nThis is where you stop learning about investing and start operating like a Smart Angel Investor. You’ll learn how disciplined investors evaluate opportunities and begin making your own invest-or-pass decisions. After this course\, you’ll have structured evaluation criteria\, the ability to justify a decision\, and the beginning of an investor’s discipline. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n-Prospective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\n-Investment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\n-Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\n-Entrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/firstcheck-201-smart-angels-do-smart-deals-online/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Course-Banner-3.png?ver=1785278710
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T193000
DTSTAMP:20260728T224449Z
CREATED:20260728T224449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T224449Z
UID:10005277-1786471200-1786476600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:FirstCheck: Investor Foundations (Online)
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/v74i7n5l \n​Before you invest in anything\, you need to understand how smart angel investing actually works. Not the mythology\, the mechanics. This course gives you that foundation. ​Participants gain clarity on: \n​How early-stage investing functions ​\nThe role investors play in innovation and wealth creation\n​Whether this asset class aligns with their long-term goals\n​The simple methodology that creates a more intentional entry point into investing ​ \nYou’ll leave this class with a clear picture of how capital flows\, how returns are generated\, and whether this asset class belongs in your long-term strategy.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/firstcheck-investor-foundations-online/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Course-Banner-2.png?ver=1785278488
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T183000
DTSTAMP:20260730T190432Z
CREATED:20260126T191924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T190432Z
UID:10004773-1785951000-1785954600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/wdpfdggu \nIn a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-9/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 032\, 4201 Main St\, Houston
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T193000
DTSTAMP:20260713T162917Z
CREATED:20260713T162917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T162917Z
UID:10005178-1784829600-1784835000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:FirstCheck: Smart Angels Do Smart Deals (Online Only)
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/6qr1fm8g​ \nThis is the class where you stop learning about investing and start operating like a Smart Angel Investor. \nYou’ll learn how disciplined investors evaluate opportunities and begin making your own invest-or-pass decisions. After this course\, you’ll have structured evaluation criteria\, the ability to justify a decision\, and the beginning of an investor’s discipline.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/firstcheck-smart-angels-do-smart-deals-2/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Angel-Investing-101-Valuation-and-Term-Sheets.jpg?ver=1783560406
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T190000
DTSTAMP:20260721T190138Z
CREATED:20260126T191906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T190138Z
UID:10004772-1784655000-1784660400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/w1itcerp \nIn a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-8/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 032\, 4201 Main St\, Houston
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260713T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260713T193000
DTSTAMP:20260713T162338Z
CREATED:20260713T162338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T162338Z
UID:10005176-1783965600-1783971000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:FirstCheck: Investor Foundations (Online Only)
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/gcko92gv \nBefore you invest in anything\, you need to understand how smart angel investing actually works. Not the mythology\, the mechanics. This course gives you that foundation. ​Participants gain clarity on: \n​How early-stage investing functions ​\nThe role investors play in innovation and wealth creation\n​Whether this asset class aligns with their long-term goals\n​The simple methodology that creates a more intentional entry point into investing ​ \nYou’ll leave this class with a clear picture of how capital flows\, how returns are generated\, and whether this asset class belongs in your long-term strategy.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/firstcheck-investor-foundations-online-only/
LOCATION:Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/icue.jpg?ver=1783560253
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T183000
DTSTAMP:20260603T200836Z
CREATED:20260126T191817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T200836Z
UID:10004771-1781631000-1781634600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: FirstCheck: Investor Foundations
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/hcuenf8m \n​Before you invest in anything\, you need to understand how smart angel investing actually works. Not the mythology\, the mechanics. This course gives you that foundation. \n​Participants gain clarity on: \n​- How early-stage investing functions \n​- The role investors play in innovation and wealth creation \n​- Whether this asset class aligns with their long-term goals \n​- The simple methodology that creates a more intentional entry point into investing \n​You’ll leave this class with a clear picture of how capital flows\, how returns are generated\, and whether this asset class belongs in your long-term strategy. \nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-7/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 032\, 4201 Main St\, Houston
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T190000
DTSTAMP:20260114T172253Z
CREATED:20260113T213643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T172253Z
UID:10004449-1779296400-1779303600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what?  \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-7/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1786566611
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T204633Z
CREATED:20260126T191753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T204633Z
UID:10004770-1779211800-1779215400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/u63ae8c5 \nIn a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-6/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T183000
DTSTAMP:20260427T181031Z
CREATED:20260126T191558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T181031Z
UID:10004769-1777570200-1777573800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:Register here: https://luma.com/wft8x89h \nIn a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-5/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 032\, 4201 Main St\, Houston
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260317T183000
DTSTAMP:20260126T191707Z
CREATED:20260126T191532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T191707Z
UID:10004768-1773768600-1773772200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-4/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260212T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260212T183000
DTSTAMP:20260126T191451Z
CREATED:20251215T180252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T191451Z
UID:10004388-1770917400-1770921000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-3/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260120T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260120T183000
DTSTAMP:20260129T231423Z
CREATED:20260129T231423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T231423Z
UID:10004767-1768930200-1768933800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-14/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSC_0268-scaled.jpg?ver=1765821642
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T183000
DTSTAMP:20250820T190212Z
CREATED:20250128T210321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T190212Z
UID:10002879-1755711000-1755714600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Valuation and Term Sheets
DESCRIPTION:Join the Urban Capital Network for an informative talk regarding due diligence of Angel investment opportunities. \nOne of the most challenging tasks when evaluating a company before it has revenue is determining a value. There are no agreed upon standards\, and often no comparables\, unlike companies that have a longer track record with historical financial statements\, assets\, and revenue. Ultimately\, early-stage valuations are determined through negotiations between investors and founders. Each has their own assumptions\, projections and financial goals. Equipped with tools and a strategy will help you develop a basis for negotiations. Join Urban Capital Network for an introduction to valuation strategies and negotiating deal terms for early-stage investments. \nDuring the session\, you can expect to learn the following: \n\nHow to assess and apply valuation factors and criteria\,\nValuation Methods\,\nTerm sheet basics\,\nNegotiation points.\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-valuation-and-term-sheets-2/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 031\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250715T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250715T190000
DTSTAMP:20260113T191408Z
CREATED:20250625T191246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T191408Z
UID:10003345-1752598800-1752606000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what?  \nBefore you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active startup in the Houston innovation community\, a mentor\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-5/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1786566611
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250618T183000
DTSTAMP:20250604T195732Z
CREATED:20250122T173437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250604T195732Z
UID:10002844-1750267800-1750271400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Sourcing and Vetting Deals
DESCRIPTION:One of the biggest challenges Angel Investors face is finding frequent and quality investment opportunities. Building a pipeline of opportunities and a network that fosters those opportunities takes time and strategy. \nContinuing on our education series of “Angel Investing 101\,” Urban Capital Network is delivering their next session\, “Sourcing and Vetting.” Whether you’ve made the decision to become an Angel Investor or you’ve already participated in one or more deals\, the Urban Capital Network team will provide valuable resources and strategies to help you increase your deal flow to achieve optimal investment opportunities. \nDuring the session\, you can expect to learn the following: \n\nHow to leverage your expertise and personal brand to create deal flow\nHow to leverage professional and social groups and organizations to create deal flow\nHow to collaborate with and build a network of Angel Investors who share deal flow\nUnderstand the difference in deal flow between various investment platforms and organizations\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-sourcing-and-vetting-deals/
LOCATION:Ion\, 4201 Main Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T183000
DTSTAMP:20250520T142255Z
CREATED:20250128T203614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T142255Z
UID:10002873-1747848600-1747852200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Introduction to Angel Investing
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the team at Urban Capital Network believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Urban Capital Network team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n  \nIon District Investor Activation Program: \nThe Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups\, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. \nThis program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold\, offering education on climatetech investing\, channeling a pool of capital to young startups\, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. \nIf you would like to join the program\, please fill out this form\, and if you have additional questions\, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-introduction-to-angel-investing-3/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250512T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250512T183000
DTSTAMP:20250423T190352Z
CREATED:20250423T190254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T190352Z
UID:10003037-1747069200-1747074600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Early-stage Investment Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Early-stage Investment Landscape \n​AGENDA\n​5:00 – 6:30 PM:\n​Navigating the Early-stage Investment Landscape – Led by Houston Angel Network\n​Understanding the Energy Transition: Risks and Emerging Opportunities – Led by New Climate Ventures \nDon’t miss this opportunity to build your investing confidence\, and connections in climate innovation. \n​​Questions? Reach out to Marita Genebashvili\, Investor Program Director\, at mgenebashvili@greentownlabs.com.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/early-stage-investment-landscape/
LOCATION:Greentown Labs\, 4200 San Jacinto St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Early-Stage-Investment-Landscape.jpeg?ver=1745435022
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250416T183000
DTSTAMP:20250128T210339Z
CREATED:20250128T203433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T210339Z
UID:10002872-1744824600-1744828200@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Valuation and Term Sheets
DESCRIPTION:Join the Urban Capital Network for an informative talk regarding due diligence of Angel investment opportunities. \nOne of the most challenging tasks when evaluating a company before it has revenue is determining a value. There are no agreed upon standards\, and often no comparables\, unlike companies that have a longer track record with historical financial statements\, assets\, and revenue. Ultimately\, early-stage valuations are determined through negotiations between investors and founders. Each has their own assumptions\, projections and financial goals. Equipped with tools and a strategy will help you develop a basis for negotiations. Join Urban Capital Network for an introduction to valuation strategies and negotiating deal terms for early-stage investments. \nDuring the session\, you can expect to learn the following: \n\nHow to assess and apply valuation factors and criteria\,\nValuation Methods\,\nTerm sheet basics\,\nNegotiation points.\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-valuation-and-term-sheets/
LOCATION:TX
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250415T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250415T190000
DTSTAMP:20250327T203633Z
CREATED:20250327T203633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T203633Z
UID:10002986-1744738200-1744743600@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what? Before you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active start-up mentor\, including the Houston innovation community\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-4/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1786566611
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T183000
DTSTAMP:20250319T214342Z
CREATED:20250128T205815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T214342Z
UID:10001333-1742405400-1742409000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Due Diligence
DESCRIPTION:Join the Urban Capital Network for an informative session regarding due diligence of Angel investment opportunities. \nAs an Angel Investor\, before investing in a startup\, you might ask: \n\nHow do I know when I’ve found the right opportunity?\nWhat are the risks involved?\nHow much time should I spend evaluating the opportunity?\n\nAssessing and evaluating a company before it has revenue is a difficult task. There are no agreed upon or standard approaches\, unlike companies that have a longer track record with historical financial statements\, assets\, and revenue. There are numerous unknowns and risks. Due diligence is not about eliminating risks\, but rather an exercise to spot and avoid the obvious pitfalls\, understand the risks\, gather information to support your valuation\, and ultimately negotiate your terms. In this session of their education series\, “Angel Investing 101\,” the team at Urban Capital Network will present and discuss the role and principles of diligence and risk assessment when evaluating an early stage company. \nDuring the session\, you can expect to learn the following: \n\nKey diligence focus areas and principles\nWhat to look for and ask during due diligence\nHow to avoid common mistakes\nHow to develop a process to improve your chances of success\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n  \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-1009/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 031\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T183000
DTSTAMP:20250217T211108Z
CREATED:20250210T161720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T211108Z
UID:10002911-1739986200-1739989800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Sourcing and Vetting Deals
DESCRIPTION:One of the biggest challenges Angel Investors face is finding frequent and quality investment opportunities. Building a pipeline of opportunities and a network that fosters those opportunities takes time and strategy. \nContinuing on our education series of “Angel Investing 101\,” Urban Capital Network is delivering their next session\, “Sourcing and Vetting.” Whether you’ve made the decision to become an Angel Investor or you’ve already participated in one or more deals\, the Urban Capital Network team will provide valuable resources and strategies to help you increase your deal flow to achieve optimal investment opportunities. \nDuring the session\, you can expect to learn the following: \n\nHow to leverage your expertise and personal brand to create deal flow\nHow to leverage professional and social groups and organizations to create deal flow\nHow to collaborate with and build a network of Angel Investors who share deal flow\nUnderstand the difference in deal flow between various investment platforms and organizations\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n  \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-sourcing-and-vetting-deals-2/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 032\, 4201 Main St\, Houston
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250211T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250211T190000
DTSTAMP:20250210T220506Z
CREATED:20250108T195317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T220506Z
UID:10002810-1739295000-1739300400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what? Before you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nJoin us after the session\, hosted by Heath Butler\, for a networking happy hour! \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers:\nHeath Butler\, Mercury Fund \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active start-up mentor\, including the Houston innovation community\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \n  \n \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-3/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_1515-scaled.jpeg?ver=1786566611
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250129T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250129T183000
DTSTAMP:20250128T195201Z
CREATED:20241217T223703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250128T195201Z
UID:10002683-1738171800-1738175400@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Buying and Selling Businesses
DESCRIPTION:Join Lenny Saizan\, Business Broker and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network\, for an informative presentation on selling and buying businesses. \nThe process of selling and buying a business includes many steps and involves collaboration and coordination of professionals across various disciplines. Quite often\, sellers and buyers in the market are going through the process for the very first time. \nBusiness owners typically have most of their wealth tied to their business; therefore\, it is important that they maximize the value of the business and properly plan their exit strategy. For buyers\, entrepreneurship through business acquisition is a less risky path to business ownership that increases the probability of success and generates positive cash flow on day one. Business acquisition is also a good strategy for business owners to grow their existing business. Lenny Saizan will discuss the process of selling and buying a business\, highlight challenges and mistakes to avoid\, and present the benefits of working with an intermediary. If you are a business owner\, prospective buyer\, or small business service provider\, this event will be beneficial to you. \nDuring the session\, you can expect discussion on the following: \n\nMarket overview\,\nWhen to prepare to sell or buy\,\nWhat makes a company valuable\,\nHow companies are valued\,\nOverview on how to recast financial statements\,\nThe sales process\,\nThe deal team\,\nTaxes and insurance considerations.\n\nPresenter:\nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal.
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-buying-and-selling-businesses/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T183000
DTSTAMP:20250106T191919Z
CREATED:20241217T223603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T191919Z
UID:10001331-1736962200-1736965800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Angel Investing 101: Introduction to Angel Investing
DESCRIPTION:In a world where only the very wealthy\, well connected\, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities\, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population\, the team at Urban Capital Network believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. \nJoin the Urban Capital Network team for an evening of learning\, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation. At this event\, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private\, early-stage companies. \nThis session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders: \n\nProspective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel Investing\nInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clients\nEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their deals\nEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors\n\nAbout the speaker \nLenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN)\, an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition\, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston\, where he assists business owners with exit planning\, value maximization\, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises. \nBefore establishing UCN and his business brokerage\, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer\, specializing in automation\, controls\, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry\, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls\, as well as audit. \nLenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional\, a Six Sigma Green Belt\, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023\, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal. \n  \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/angel-investing-101-2/
LOCATION:Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030\, 4201 Main St\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Founders & Startups,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_1630-scaled.jpeg?ver=1734474895
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T190000
DTSTAMP:20241018T185344Z
CREATED:20240910T154414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241018T185344Z
UID:10001376-1730307600-1730314800@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:How to Start a Startup with Fresh Tech Solutionz
DESCRIPTION:You have an idea…now what? Before you start looking for funding\, it’s important to ensure that your idea is both viable and valuable — if it doesn’t have a sound model and a market willing to pay for it\, investors won’t be interested anyway. \nTarget Audience: \n\nStartups and Entrepreneurs: early-stage entrepreneurs\, entrepreneurs testing ideas for a pivot\nCommunity Members: people with an idea for a startup but unsure what to do next\, small business owners\nCorporate Innovators: intrapreneurs\, decision-makers tasked with creating and leading sustainable change\nAcademic Partners: students or faculty with an idea for a startup\n\nAbout the Speakers: \nHeath Butler\, Mercury \nHeath focuses on B2B SaaS and B2B2C Marketplace investments in future-of-work and fin-tech themes. Heath also manages the organization’s venture studio and network platform\, including corporate\, service provider\, and startup community relationships. \nPrior to joining Mercury\, Heath co-founded Gestalt Theory Venture Partners\, a venture studio and angel investing group. Prior to Gestalt\, Heath held leadership roles as a seasoned go-to-market and corporate development executive at Insperity (NYSE: NSP)\, the nation’s leading HR outsourcing services provider. Prior to Insperity\, Heath led business development for EnergyWorkspace.com\, founded a fin-tech startup\, and developed his foundational management skills at UPS. \nOutside of Mercury\, Heath is an active angel investor and advocates for democratizing access to private equity opportunities for all investors. He is an active start-up mentor\, including the Houston innovation community\, and a regular speaker/mentor within The Ion. Heath enjoys traveling with family and likes to read\, golf\, cycle\, and is an avid poker player. \nDerrell Noris\, Fresh Tech Solutionz \nWith more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development\, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further. \nFresh Tech Solutionz increases revenue and customer engagement through mobile apps and technology. Core services include mobile app development\, social media marketing\, website development\, branding\, printing\, and custom software development. Fresh Tech Solutionz is a proud black-owned business in the Galleria area of Houston\, Texas with offices in the Houston Decorative Center. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/how-to-start-a-startup-with-fresh-tech/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Academic Network,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking,Start Here
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/241030-HTSAS-Website-Graphic-1-scaled.jpg?ver=1729020044
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241021T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241021T193000
DTSTAMP:20241019T041233Z
CREATED:20241018T190120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241019T041233Z
UID:10001722-1729531800-1729539000@iondistrict.com
SUMMARY:Golden Seeds 20th Anniversary Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate 20 Years of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Golden Seeds. \nSince our founding\, Golden Seeds has been committed to changing the landscape of angel investing by recognizing the incredible opportunities women entrepreneurs create across industries. With over 1\,000 members and $180 million invested in more than 250 companies\, we are proud of the impact we’ve had on the early-stage investment market. \nJoin us for an evening of celebration\, reflection\, and connection with fellow investors\, entrepreneurs\, and supporters of our mission. \n 
URL:https://iondistrict.com/event/golden-seeds-20th-anniversary-celebration/
LOCATION:Ion – Forum Stairs\, 4201 Main St.\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Corporate Innovators,Founders & Startups,General Community,Investors & Capital,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iondistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Golden_Seeds_logo_lg_1070px-1.png?ver=1729277969
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR